Introduction

While the original Statis-Pro game did come with a rudimentary solitaire system that worked at a very basic level, it wasn't very exciting, or varied and soon got pretty boring. You also had to figure out the formations and lineups, and it was too easy to get caught up in natural human bias when calling plays as it was very predictable, based primarily on down and distance. The following system was developed (I believe) by Jim Gordon to give a much richer, more varied and ultimately more satisfying Solitaire experience. The system is quite complex on the surface but in fact is fairly simple, although it does extend playing time somewhat, it's certainly preferable to the old system if you don't have a face to face playing partner. It's also very easy to customise and in fact I've included some custom Solitaire rules for specific teams such as the 49ers 'West Coast Offense', or Joe Gibbs Redskins offense, these were created by DiceQ.

 

Solitaire play is governed by drawing one or more FACs prior to resolving the play and referring to the appropriate section, depending on whether the Solitaire team is on offense, defense or special teams. Each section is clearly explained and includes notes, special rules and examples. A list of the tables included in this guide is as follows

• Order of Play
• Table 1: Basic Game Situation
• Table 2: Game Situation Modifiers
• Table 3: Offensive Formations
• Table 4: Offensive Play Calls
• Table 5: Defensive Formations
• Table 6: Defensive Lineups
• Table 7: Defensive Play Calls
• Table 8: Special Teams & 4th Down Situations
• Penalties
• Custom Solitaire
• Original SP system
• Excel Solitaire Workbook (automates the whole solitaire process) *NEW*

 

To resolve plays using Solitaire Play Calling for either Offense or Defense, the following steps must be taken. Wherever "Player" is mentioned, this refers to the human player opposing the Solitaire controlled team. Unless a step is noted as for the "Player" the instructions refer to the Solitaire controlled team.

• Solitaire Offense
• Determine Game "Situation" based on Down & Distance, with Modifiers for Score ,Time & Field Position
• Use a randomly generated Pass Number to determine the Offensive "Formation" based on the "Situation"
• Player determines Defensive Formation, Substitutions and selects Defensive Key / Strategy
• Use a randomly generated Pass Number to determine the Offensive "Play" and Primary Ball Carrier/Target
• Resolve Play

 

• Solitaire Defense
• Determine Game "Situation" based on Down & Distance, with Modifiers for Score, Time & Field Position
• Player sets his active offensive formation and substitutions
• Use a randomly generated Pass Number to determine the Defensive "Formation" based on the "Situation"
• Player now sets his Offensive Play and Primary Ball Carrier/Target
• Use a randomly generated Pass Number to determine the Defensive "Play" and Key Coverage/Strategy
• Resolve Play

 

• Explanation of Terms
• Situation: A letter code representing the current game situation. This is based on down and distance and modified by the score and time. The closer to "A" a situation gets, the more likely a low risk, ball control, short yardage rushing play will be called. Situation "M" would involve a higher risk, long yardage play such as a long pass. The same codes are used on defense so an "A" would most likely lead to a run stuffing defense, with an "M" more likely to bring up a Nickel/Dime defense or Prevent.
• Formation: This will determine what balance of players are on the field and in which position. On offense this would determine the number of backs and receivers and which slots they are used, while on defense it would determine the basic number of down linemen, linebackers and secondary and which defensive boxes they occupy
• Play: This is the actual play call which would be equivalent to a play called by a real face to face opponent. Once this has been determined, the play is resolved normally as though a live opponent had called the play.
• Key Coverage/Strategy: This refers to the defensive play called, such as Run, Pass, Blitz etc, and also includes options such as Double and Triple Coverage etc.
• Primary Ball Carrier/Target: On a running play, the Primary Ball Carrier is the back who makes the actual rush, while a passing play is directed at a player who is the Target for the play

 

Use the following table to generate the letter code which represents the current Game Situation. This is valid for both Solitaire Offense as well as Defense. Find the current Down across the top of the table and go down that column until you find the entry which matches the current yardage to go on that down. Now read across to the left to find the letter code for the Game Situation. This letter code is then modified according to the table below this one depending on the Game Score, Field Position and Time Remaining. When making an adjustment simply start at your original letter code and move up or down in rows as instructed. E.g, If the situation was determined to be an "F" but the modifier chart instructs you to go "Down 2" you would go two rows down in the table and end up with a final Situation code of "H". If the modifier had said "Up 3" you would have gone three rows up in the table, from F up to a code of "C". You can't adjust beyond the codes of A or M which are at each end of the table.

There are no adjustments made unless

• One of the teams has a lead of 8 points or more
• The ball is inside the Red Zone (within the 20 yard line)
• The game is in the 2nd or 4th quarters and the game is not tied.

Table 1: Basic Game Situation

Situation	1st Down	2nd Down	3rd Down	4th Down
A
B
C				1 yd
D
E			1 yd	2 yds
F	1-5 yds	1-2 yds
G	6-15 yds	3-7 yds	2-5 yds
H	16-25 yds	8-12 yds	6-8 yds
I	26+ yds	13+ yds	9-12 yds
J			13+ yds
K				3 yds
L
M				4+ yds

 

Table 2: Game Situation Modifiers

These modifiers vary according to whether the Solitaire team is on Offense or Defense. Ahead or Behind refers to the Solitaire Team's position.

Modifiers by Situation	Offense	Defense
by Scoreline
Ahead by 15+ pts	3 up	4 down
Ahead by 8-14 pts	1 up	2 down
Behind by 8-14 pts	2 down	1 up
Behind by 15+ pts	4 down	3 up
by Field Position
10 to 19 yard line	1 up	1 down
1 to 9 yard line	2 up	2 down
by Time Remaining
45 to 30 mins [ahead]	1 up	1 down
45 to 30 mins [behind]	1 down	1 up
35 to 30 mins [ahead]	2 up	2 down
35 to 30 mins [behind]	2 down	2 up
15 to 5 mins [ahead]	2 up	2 down
15 to 5 mins [behind]	2 down	2 up
5 to 0 mins [ahead]	4 up	4 down
5 to 0 mins [behind]	4 down	4 up

 

Example:-

At the start of the game, the Solitaire Team has the ball on its own 25. It's 1st and 10, the score is 0-0, in the 1st quarter, outside the Red Zone. Reading down in the 1st down column we find 10 yds is in the range 8-15 so reading to the left, our basic game situation is "G". This will determine the Solitaire's Team lineup and play calling. If the Solitaire Team had been 10 points behind in the early stages, the modifier on Offense for "Behind by 8-15 pts" gives us a "2 down" modifier, making our basic Situation an "I" (2 rows down from G). In effect the Solitaire team is now more likely to call for a passing play for quicker and longer yardage. Had the Solitaire team been 10 points down with just 5 mins left, we would also modify for "5 to 0 mins [behind]" which would be a further 4 down modifier, making our base Situation an "M" (another 4 rows down from I). However if we'd been at the 6 yard line, the modifier for field position would have been "2 up" so our final Situation would have been a "K" (2 rows back up from M") So you can see that the base situation is easy to find, and then you just stack up all the modifiers together until you get a final Situation code.

 

Now that the basic Game Situation Code has been determined, we can determine the Formation of the Offensive Solitaire Team. Draw a new FAC and use its Pass Number [PN] to reference on the following table. Find the column which matches the current Game Situation, then go down the column until you find the number range which contains your random PN. Now reference to the left of the table to determine the Offensive Formation which is named. You can also see what players are used in that offensive set.

Table 3: Offensive Formation

	Players				Game Situation
Formation	-LE-	-RE-	-FL-	-RB-	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J	K	L	M
Straight Tight	TE	TE		3	1-4	1-2
Straight Right	TE	SE		3	5-8	3-4
Straight Left	SE	TE		3	9-12	5-6
Wing Right	TE	TE	R	2	13-18	7-12	1-6	1-4	1-4	1-3
Wing Left	TE	TE	L	2	19-24	13-18	7-12	5-8	5-8	4-6
Double Wing	TE	TE	R&L	1	25-32	19-28	13-24	9-20	9-16	7-12	1-12	1-12	1-12	1-10	1-10	1-8	1-8
Split Right	TE	SE	L	2	33-36	29-33	25-30	21-26	17-22	13-18	13-18	13-18	13-18	11-16	11-15	9-13	9-12
Split Left	SE	TE	R	2	37-40	34-38	31-36	27-32	23-28	19-24	19-24	19-24	19-24	17-22	16-20	14-18	13-16
Slot Right	TE	SE	R	2	41-44	39-43	37-42	33-38	29-34	25-30	25-30	25-30	25-30	23-28	21-25	19-23	17-20
Slot Left	SE	TE	L	2	45-48	44-48	43-48	39-44	35-40	31-36	31-36	31-36	31-36	29-34	26-30	24-28	21-24
Spread Right	SE	SE	R	2				45-46	41-44	37-42	37-42	37-42	37-42	35-39	31-35	29-32	25-28
Spread Left	SE	SE	L	2				47-48	45-48	43-48	43-48	43-48	43-48	40-44	36-40	33-36	29-32
Wide Right	TE	SE	R&L	1										45	41-42	37-39	33-36
Wide Left	SE	TE	R&L	1										46	43-44	40-42	37-40
Double Wide	SE	SE	R&L	1										47-48	45-48	43-48	41-48
Kick	TE	TE		2
Punt	SE	SE		3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

The LE/RE column indicates whether a Tight End or Split End is used. Both types of player have their own box on the Offensive Display. Split Ends are Wide Receivers. The Flanker column indicates whether a Wide Receiver goes in the left or right flanker spot on the Display, and occasionally there will be a receiver in each box. The RB column indicates how many running backs are used in this formation, filling up the Back slots on the Offensive Display in order [Back1,Back2,Back3]. Note that a QB and Offensive Line is always present for normal plays, and that for Kicking and Punting, there's always a Kicker/Holder or Punter in the formation.

Example:

Using our Game Situation of "K" from the last example, and with a random PN of 44, we determine the Solitaire Offense is in a "Wide Left" formation with a Wide Receiver in the Split End box to the left, a Tight End in the Tight End box on the right, two flankers, one left and one right, and just a single running back in the Back 1 position.

 

To determine the Offensive play for the Solitaire team, simply draw a new random pass number from an FAC, and find that number on the rows that match the current Game Situation. Notice that the Ball Carrier/Target is also identified in this way. Once you find the number, the code indicates your primary target or ball carrier, and if you then go up that column you will see the offensive play which is called. Whether the player code refers to a ball carrier or a primary target will of course depend on whether the play is a run or a pass. Some special rules come into play, but usually only when the lowest Pass Number to cause a result is drawn (eg if a PN of 13-24 gives an Inside Left play,a 13 might be resolved as a Draw Play)

Table 4: Offensive Play Calling

Situation	Sweep Left	Inside Left	Inside Right	Sweep Right	Screen Pass	Quick Pass	Short Pass	Long Pass
A	B1=1-7	B1=13-19	B1=25-31	B1=37-43
	B2=8-11	B2=20-23	B2=32-35	B2=44-47
	B3=12	B3=24	B3=36	B3=48
B	B1=1-6	B1=12-17	B1=23-28	B1=34-39		R1=45	R1=47
	B2=7-10	B2=18-21	B2=29-32	B2=40-43		B1=46	R2=48
	B3=11	B3=22	B3=33	B3=44
C	B1=1-6	B1=11-16	B1=21-26	B1=31-36	B1=41	R1=42-43	R1=46-47
	B2=7-9	B2=17-19	B2=27-29	B2=37-39		B1=44	R2=48
	B3=10	B3=20	B3=30	B3=40		R2=45
D	B1=1-6	B1=10-15	B1=19-24	B1=28-33	B1=37	R1=38-40	R1=44-45	R1=48
	B2=7-9	B2=16-18	B2=25-27	B2=34-36		B1=41-42	R2=46
						R2=43	B1=47
E	B1=1-5	B1=9-13	B1=17-21	B1=25-29	B1=33	R1=34-37	R1=42-43	R1=47
	B2=6-8	B2=14-16	B2=22-24	B2=30-32		B1=38-39	R2=44-45	R2=48
						R2=40-41	B1=46
F	B1=1-5	B1=8-12	B1=15-19	B1=22-26	B1=29	R1=31-35	R1=41-43	R1=47
	B2=6-7	B2=13-14	B2=20-21	B2=27-28	B2=30	B1=36-37	R2=44-45	R2=48
						R2=38-39	B1=46
						B2=40
G	B1=1-4	B1=7-10	B1=13-16	B1=19-22	B1=25	R1-27-32	R1=39-41	R1=45-46
	B2=5-6	B2=11-12	B2=17-18	B2=23-24	B2=26	B1=33-35	R2=42-43	R2=47
						R2=36-37	B1=44	R3=48
						B2=38
H	B1=1-3	B1=6-8	B1=11-13	B1=16-18	B1=21	R1=23-29	R1=37-40	R1=45-46
	B2=4-5	B2=9-10	B2=14-15	B2=19-20	B2=22	B1=30-33	R2=41-43	R2=47
						R2=34-35	B1=44	R3=48
						B2=36
I	B1=1-3	B1=5-7	B1=9-11	B1=13-15	B1=17	R1=19-25	R1=33-37	R1=43-45
	B2=4	B2=8	B2=12	B2=16	B2=18	B1=26-29	R2=38-41	R2=46-47
						R2=30-31	B1=42	R3=48
						B2=32
J	B1=1-2	B1=4-5	B1=7-8	B1=10-11	B1=13	R1=15-21	R1=29-34	R1=41-44
	B2=3	B2=6	B2=9	B2=12	B2=14	B1=22-25	R2=35-38	R2=45-46
						R2=26-27	B1=39	R3=47
						B2=28	R3=40	B1=48
K	B1=1	B1=3	B1=5	B1=7	B1=9	R1=11-16	R1=23-29	R1=39-42
	B2=2	B2=4	B1=6	B2=8	B2=10	B1=17-19	R2=30-34	R2=43-45
						R2=20-21	B1=35-36	R3=46-47
						B2=22	R3=37-38	B1=48
L	B1=1	B1=2	B1=3	B1=4		R1=5-9	R1=17-25	R1=36-41
						B1=10-12	R2=26-31	R2=42-45
						R2=13-14	B1=32-33	R3=46-47
						R3=15	R3=34-35	B1=48
						B2=16
M						R1=1-5	R1=6-22	R1=23-48

Notes:

The player codes should be explained. Running Backs are nominated by position, so that B1 indicates Back 1, B2 = Back 2 and B3 = Back 3 naturally. To be fair, you should put your best back in B1, next best in B2 etc as the defenses are based on the assumption that B1 is your best man.For the Receivers, R1,2 and 3 refer to the RANK of the receiver on the team, so R1 is the teams BEST receiver, R2 is the next best receiver and so on. It should be fairly easy to determine which receivers are the best on each team by looking at the cards. Alternately, you could class R1 as the Flanker, R2 as the Split End and R3 as the Tight End. In formations where you have more than one player in a particular position, eg 2 Flankers, or 2 Split Ends, simply use Even Pass Numbers for the best player in that position, and Odd Pass Numbers for the other player.

Special Rules:

• Situation A-B: Inside Run to Back 2 is an Inside Run with the QB on 4th and 1, or any down with 1 yd to go inside the 10 yard line
• Situation D-F: Lowest Pass Number which gives a Sweep is resolved as an End Around with the best running Receiver, only one allowed per half
• Situation E-J: Lowest Even Pass Number which gives an Inside Run on 1st down is resolved as a Draw Play
• Situation D-J: Worst Endurance RB stays to Pass Block on Short or Long Passing plays
• Situation D-I: Lowest Pass Number which gives a Short or Long Pass is resolved as a Play Action
• Situation - Last 5 mins: Quick Passes called on 3rd and 10-19 resolved as Short Passes
• Situation - Last 5 mins: Quick Passes called on 3rd and 20+ resolved as Long Passes.

Example:

Once again using our previous example of Game Situation "K" with a "Wide Left" formation, our new random pass number is 27. Finding number 27 in the rows matching "K" we find our offensive call is a Short Pass to R1, which is our Flanker. Since we have two flankers in this formation, the fact that 27 is an ODD number means we would target the pass to the lesser of the two players in that position. Had the random number been 28, it would have been targeted to our best flanker.

 

Just as with Solitaire Offense,now that the basic Game Situation Code has been determined, we can determine the Formation of the Defensive Solitaire Team. Draw a new FAC and use its Pass Number [PN] to reference on the following table. Find the column which matches the current Game Situation, then go down the column until you find the number range which contains your random PN. Now reference to the left of the table to determine the Defensive Formation which is named. You can also see what players are used in that defensive set. The only difference here is that we also need to use the second table to see where the defenders line up in the Defensive Display boxes.

Table 5: Defensive Formation

Formation	Players			Game Situation
	-DL-	-LB-	-DB-	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J	K	L	M
7-2-2	7	2	2	1-8	1-4
6-3-2	6	3	2	9-16	5-8
5-4-2	5	4	2	17-24	9-14	1-4	1-2
4-5-2	4	5	2	25-32	15-20	5-8	3-4
6-2-3	6	2	3	33-40	21-28	9-14	5-8	1-2
5-3-3	5	3	3	41-48	29-36	15-20	9-12	3-4
4-4-3	4	4	3		37-40	21-26	13-18	5-8	1-2
3-5-3	3	5	3		41-44	27-32	19-24	9-12	3-4
4-3-4	4	3	4			33-36	25-30	13-20	5-16	1-12	1-12	1-10	1-10	1-8	1-4
3-4-4	3	4	4			37-40	31-36	21-28	17-28	13-24	13-24	11-20	11-20	9-16	5-8
6-1-4	6	1	4		45-46	41-44	37-42	29-36	29-34	25-30	25-28	21-24
5-2-4	5	2	4		47-48	45-48	43-48	37-44	35-40	31-36	29-32	25-28
4-2-5	4	2	5					45-46	41-44	37-42	33-38	29-34	21-28	17-24	9-18	1-12
3-3-5	3	3	5					47-48	45-48	43-48	39-44	35-40	29-36	25-32	19-28	14-24
4-1-6	4	1	6								45-46	41-44	37-42	33-40	29-38	25-36
3-2-6	3	2	6								47-48	45-48	43-48	41-48	39-48	37-48

 

Table 6: Defensive Lineups

Formation

Box A

Box B

Box C

Box D

Box E

Box F

Box G

Box H

Box I

Box J

Box K

Box L

Box M

Box N

Box O

7-2-2

Goal Line

DE

2 DT

DT

2 DT

DE

LB

LB

DB

DB

6-3-2

Goal Line

DE

DT

2 DT

DT

DE

LB

LB

LB

DB

DB

5-4-2

Short Yardage

DE

DT

DT

DT

DE

LB*

LB/

LB*

LB/

DB

DB

4-5-2

Short Yardage

DE

DT

DT

DE

LB*

LB/

LB*

LB/

LB*

DB

DB

6-2-3

Run Defense

DE

DT

2 DT

DT

DE

LB/*

LB*

DB

DB/

DB

5-3-3

Run Defense

DE

DT

DT

DT

DE

LB*

LB/*

LB/*

DB

DB

DB

4-4-3

Pass Short

DE

DT

DT

DE

LB*

LB/

LB*

LB/

DB

DB

DB

3-5-3

Pass Short

DE

DT

DE

LB*

LB/

LB*

LB/

LB*

DB

DB

DB

4-3-4

Balanced

DE

DT

DT

DE

LB*

LB/

LB*

DB

DB/

DB

DB

3-4-4

Balanced

DE

DT

DE

LB*

LB/

LB*

LB/

DB

DB/*

DB

DB

6-1-4

Spread

DE

DT

2 DT

DT

DE

LB/*

DB

DB/

DB*

DB

5-2-4

Spread

DE

DT

DT

DT

DE

LB/*

LB*

DB

DB/

DB

DB

4-2-5

Pass Long

DE

DT

DT

DE

LB/

LB*

DB

DB/*

DB

DB

DB

3-3-5

Pass Long

DE

DT

DE

LB*

LB

LB/

DB

DB/*

DB

DB

DB

4-1-6

Pass Prevent

DE

DT

DT

DE

LB/*

DB

DB/*

DB

DB

DB

3-2-6

Pass Prevent

DE

DT

DE

LB/

LB*

DB

2*DB/*

DB

DB

DB

 

Notes:

• If sufficient players are not available at a given position, choose the closest match formation
• The Solitaire Defense must have at least one DB for each Wide Receiver on Offense [adjust formation if needed]
• The Solitaire Defense must also have at least one DB or LB for each Running Back or Tight End
• When making substitutions, use the best player available
• When a Blitz is called, remember the Pass Number that called the Blitz. If it's even, then players marked with an asterisk [*] blitz, if it was odd, then players marked with a slash [/] blitz [some players are marked /* and they blitz on all Blitz plays, regardless of pass number

 

Example:

Using our Game Situation of "K" from the last example, and with a random PN of 9, we determine the Solitaire Defense is the basic 3-4 defense with 3 down linemen, 4 linebackers and 4 defensive backs which is a balanced formation, flexible in dealing with most standard plays. We can see from the 2nd table that we have down linemen in Boxes A,C and E, with Linebackers in F,G,I and J and defensive backs in K,M,N and O.

 

As with the Offense, a new FAC is consulted for a Pass Number [PN]. Use the row that matches the Defensive Formation as determined above, and then move along the row until you hit the range which includes the PN you just got. You can then go to the top of that column to find the exact Defensive Play Call, referring to the notes that follow the Table.

Table 7: Defensive Play Calls

	Run	Run	Run	Run	Run	No	Pass	Pass	Pass	Prevent	Prevent	Prevent	Prevent
Formation	Key QB	Key B3	Key B2	Key B1	No Key	Strategy	Blitz	Cover	Double		Double	2 * Dbl	Triple
7-2-2	1-4	5-8	9-20	21-36	37-48
6-3-2	1-4	5-8	9-20	21-36	37-48
5-4-2	1-2	3-4	5-12	13-32	33-44		45-48
4-5-2	1-2	3-4	5-12	13-32	33-44		45-48
6-2-3			1-8	9-26	27-34	35-40	41-44	45-48
5-3-3			1-8	9-26	27-34	35-40	41-44	45-48
4-4-3			1-6	7-22	23-30	31-36	37-40	41-48
3-5-3			1-6	7-22	23-30	31-36	37-40	41-48
4-3-4			1-4	5-16	17-24	25-30	31-36	37-44	45-48
3-4-4			1-4	5-16	17-24	25-30	31-36	37-44	45-48
6-1-4				1-6	7-14	15-20	21-28	29-44	45-48
5-2-4				1-6	7-14	15-20	21-28	29-44	45-48
4-2-5					1-6	7-10	11-18	19-38	39-48
3-3-5					1-6	7-10	11-18	19-38	39-48
4-1-6							1-4	5-20	21-24	25-40	41-44	45-46	47-48
3-2-6							1-4	5-20	21-24	25-40	41-45	45-47	47-49

Notes:

The Run defenses will indicate who is keyed [or No Key], remember that this is based on B1 being your best rusher, so don't take advantage by slipping your best runner into the B2 slot! No Strategy is a flexible defense with no modifiers to any play. On Blitzes use the notes in the defensive lineup table to determine which players Blitz (outside the Front Row players who always blitz). Where double or triple coverage is indicated, the best receiver on the offense is assumed to be so covered. 2 * Dbl indicates double coverage on the best two receivers.

Example:

We've determined a 3-4 base defense and now we draw a random Pass Number of 40. This indicates a Pass Cover defense which means the Defense calls "Pass" defense, but no double or triple coverages are in effect. Receivers are marked one on one as determined by the positions and defensive boxes on the Defensive Display Chart.

 

In Special Teams situations, or 4th down plays, this table is used to determine the Solitaire team's play. As usual, get a new PN from a FAC and refer to the table below. The Default column is used unless the Solitaire team is losing late in the game [ say, in the last 5 or 10 mins], in which case use the Losing, Late column.

Table 8: Special Teams & 4th Down plays

Kickoff & Returns	Play	Default:	Losing, Late:
Kickoff:	Standard	1-36	1-12
	Squib	37-48	13-24
	Onside		25-48
Kick Return:	Standard	1-40	1-36
	Touchback	41-48	37-48
Punt Return:	Standard	1-36	1-24
	Fair Catch	37-44	25-36
	All-out Rush	45-48	37-48
4th Down Scenarios	Play	Default:	Losing, Late:
Inside 10yd line:	Fake FG	1
	Field Goal	2-40	1-48
	Run a Play	41-48
Inside 20yd line:	Fake FG	1
	Field Goal	2-44
	Run a Play	45-48	1-48
Inside FG range:	Fake FG	1	1
	Field Goal	2-46	2-12
	Run a Play	47-48	13-48
Outside FG range:	Fake Punt	1	1
	Punt	2-46*	2-8
	Run a Play	47-48	9-48
Outside 50yd line:	Fake Punt	1	1
	Punt	2-48*	2-4
	Run a Play		5-48
Inside Own 30yd line:	Fake Punt
	Punt	1-48*	1-40*
	Run a Play		41-48

Notes:

* Where an asterisk appears, a PN of 30-46 means a "Coffin Corner" punt with 10 yards subtracted from the punt and then resolved as per the normal rules for Coffin Corner punts.

The Default column is used unless the Solitaire team is losing late in the game [ say, in the last 5 or 10 mins], in which case use the Losing, Late column. A Pass Number of 1 always ends up in a Fake Punt or Field Goal except when inside your own 30 yard line.

Obviously you have to be fair in certain situations. E.g on 4th down inside the 10 yard line but trailing by 4 with 30 seconds left, the Solitaire team is not going to kick a Field Goal!!!!!

Example:

Let's say our Solitaire opponent has the ball and is down by 7 points with just 4 minutes left on my 40 yard line. This is outside FG range, and it's 4th and 6. We use the "Losing Late" column, a PN of 33 indicates that we Run a Play. Had the Solitaire team been backed up inside its own 30 yard line, a 33 would have led to a Punt rather than going for it on 4th down.

 

When the Solitaire Team has a penalty choice the basic instruction is to use common sense and an appreciation for the game situation to best serve their needs. As a general guideline, I offer the following priorities for the Solitaire Team when they have a choice,- but this is only a suggested hierarchy and most decisions are determined by the specific game situation.

• Solitaire Offense Priorities
• Keep points on the board
• Retain possession of the ball
• Get a first down
• Repeat a down
• Gain most yardage
• Avoid loss of yardage

 

• Solitaire Defense Priorities
• Score Defensive Points
• Force a turnover
• Prevent opposition from scoring
• Prevent opposition from 1st down
• Allow least yardage
• Push opponent back furthest.

 

coming shortly...

Offenses

Mike Holmgren - Green Bay Packers

Jon Gruden - Oakland Raiders

Joe Gibbs - Washington Redskins

Marv Levy - Buffalo Bills

Marty Schottenheimer - Kansas City Chiefs

San Francisco 49ers - Gold Coast Offense

Mike Shanahan - Denver Broncos [cards]

 

Defenses

Bill Belichick - New England Patriots

Buddy Ryan - Chicago Bears '46'

 

 

These rules came with the 6th Edition rules which were due to be published with the 1992 set which was never released. They were also included in ABC's TTF game which was effectively the 7th Edition

All normal rules apply to Solitaire Play except

• Offensive Plays and formations are chosen by the coach. Defensive formations and strategies are determined by the FAC.
• The offense may not choose two Quick, Screen, Shovel or Swing passes in succession
• Remove one Z card from the FAC deck

Solitaire plays are resolved as follows:-

1. Offensive Play: The offense chooses its formation, play, player and strategies
2. Defense Formation: Appropriate Defensive substitutions and Formations must be chosen for each play
3. Solitaire Defense: Flip a FAC and refer to the Solitaire Section on the card. This section has five possible defenses listed from 1 through 5. One defense is used for each type of play, which refers to a specific game situation
   • Number 1: All plays on First Down
   • Number 2: All plays on 2nd down with 6 yds or less needed, or when the ball is on the opposition 3,4 or 5 yard line
   • Number 3: All plays on 2nd down with 7 or more yds needed
   • Number 4: All plays on 3rd or 4th down with 7 or more yds needed
   • Number 5: All plays on 3rd or 4th down with 6 yds or less needed, or when the ball is on the opposition 1 or 2 yard line

Solitaire Defenses are as follows

• BLZ - Blitz Defense
• R[NK] - Run, No Key
• R[BC] - Run, Ball Carrier is Keyed
• P - Pass Defense
• PR - Prevent Defense
• P[x2] - Pass Defense, target receiver is double covered if formation allows
• PR[x2] - Prevent Defense, target receiver is double covered if formation allows

If the scrimmage line is within the defense's 20 yard line, convert all Prevent defenses to Pass defense.

If a Blitz is called for, use the FAC on the SAME FAC that gave the Blitz result. Use that number to determine which players blitz. If there is no player in the indicated box, choose any other player from Row 2 or 3 on the Defensive Display. Choose players who are not in pass coverage first.

Pass Number [PN] 1-26 = Boxes F & J, 27-35 = Boxes F,J & M, 36-48 = Boxes F,G,H,I & J

Once the defense has been determined, resolve the play as normal.

 

I created an Excel workbook that allows you to bypass all this complicated procedure and let the computer do all the work for you. All you need to do is update the score, field position and time remaining and the worksheet will automatically call formations and plays on both offense and defense for you. You can even enter your team names and players so they appear in custom displays just like the real game. I will be adding variations of the file that include the various different offenses and defenses as mentioned in Section 10. There is also a random FAC generator in the workbook.

• Download Excel Statis-Pro Solitaire Workbook

Last update: 23rd January, 2004© Lee Harris